When most people think of Croatia, their minds immediately jump to island hopping, crystal-clear waters and historic coastal towns. However, a new resort in Istria is hoping to put Croatia firmly on the map for luxury wellness breaks, gourmet getaways and multigenerational holidays too.
Pical Resort, Valamar Collection is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Croatian hospitality group Valamar. Backed by a €200 million investment, the resort promises a fresh take on Adriatic luxury, combining world-class wellness, exceptional dining and family-friendly facilities, all within walking distance of one of Croatia’s prettiest historic towns.
A Prime Position on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast
Set amongst the greenery of Parenzana Park and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the resort sits just ten minutes from the cobbled streets of Poreč’s UNESCO-listed old town.
It’s a location that offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful seaside escape with culture, restaurants and history right on your doorstep. Whether you want to spend your mornings exploring historic alleyways or your afternoons lounging beside the sea, Pical Resort places you within easy reach of both.
Inspired by the Historic Parenzana Trail
What makes Pical particularly interesting is the story behind it.
The resort takes inspiration from the historic Parenzana Trail, a former railway route that once connected Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Today, the 123-kilometre route has become one of the region’s most popular cycling and walking trails.
This heritage can be seen throughout the resort, from the culinary experiences and wine lists to curated excursions that encourage guests to explore the landscapes, traditions and communities that make this part of Europe so unique.
For active travellers, direct access to the trail means adventures begin right from the resort’s doorstep.
Croatia’s First ESPA Spa
For wellness enthusiasts, this may well be the headline attraction.
Pical Resort will be home to Croatia’s first ESPA spa, bringing one of the world’s most respected luxury wellness brands to the Adriatic coast.
Spanning 1,300 square metres, the wellness centre has been designed as a sensory journey inspired by the landscapes found along the Parenzana Trail. Guests can move between six saunas, steam rooms, sensory relaxation spaces and treatment suites, while enjoying bespoke wellness programmes focused on sleep, recovery and detoxification.
The addition of ESPA instantly elevates Pical into the ranks of Europe’s most exciting wellness destinations and gives travellers another reason to visit Croatia outside the traditional summer season.
A Resort Designed for Every Generation
Unlike many luxury resorts that cater primarily to couples or families, Pical has been designed to welcome both.
The resort comprises three distinct accommodation concepts, each offering its own style of stay. Families can enjoy spacious all-inclusive accommodation and dedicated children’s facilities, while couples and luxury travellers can retreat to the exclusive V Level suites and premium beachfront residences.
Across the resort, guests will find eleven heated pools, three themed beaches, extensive sports facilities and more than 3,000 square metres dedicated to family entertainment.
Children can enjoy indoor play zones, outdoor adventure parks and supervised clubs, while adults can take advantage of wellness facilities, cycling routes, tennis courts and beachside relaxation.
A Destination for Food Lovers
Food and drink play a central role in the Pical experience. The resort will feature eight restaurants and ten bars, with concepts inspired by the culinary traditions of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Several venues have been developed alongside Michelin-starred chefs, creating a dining programme that goes far beyond the standard resort offering.
Guests can expect freshly caught seafood, regional wines, Mediterranean flavours and locally sourced ingredients served across a variety of settings, from elegant dining rooms to relaxed beachfront venues.
The flexible Dine Around programme also allows guests to explore multiple restaurants throughout their stay, ensuring every meal feels like a new experience.
Sustainability Without Compromise
Luxury and sustainability don’t always go hand in hand, but Pical Resort is making a conscious effort to balance both.
The property will operate using renewable electricity, extensive solar energy systems and energy-efficient technologies. Green roofs, landscaped facades and food waste composting further support Valamar’s sustainability commitments, while the overall design has been carefully planned to blend into the surrounding environment.
It’s a thoughtful approach that reflects the growing demand for more responsible travel experiences.
More Than a Holiday Resort
While leisure travellers will undoubtedly be the main draw, Pical is also positioning itself as one of the Adriatic’s leading destinations for events and conferences.
The resort will feature Istria’s largest conference and events centre, capable of hosting up to 1,200 delegates. Combined with luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and wellness facilities, it offers a compelling option for corporate retreats and incentive travel.
As travellers continue to seek destinations that combine luxury with authenticity, Pical Resort feels perfectly timed.
Offering Croatia’s first ESPA spa, exceptional dining, family-friendly facilities and direct access to one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful regions, this ambitious new opening has all the ingredients needed to become one of Europe’s most talked-about resorts.
For those planning a luxury European escape in 2026, Pical Resort deserves a place firmly on the wish list.
